how will i know?

And the Angel said to Zachariah do not be afraid. Your petition was heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you must call his name John (God is favorable). He will be great and distinguished in the sight of the Lord. He will be filled with and controlled by the Holy Spirit even in and from his mother's womb. He will turn back and cause to return many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God. [Excerpts taken from Luke Chapter 1 verses 13 thru 16]

And Zachariah's response was how can I be sure? Zachariah is talking to an Angel of God and the first thing out of his mouth is doubt.  He basically asks how will I know?   Imagine that!

And because of this doubt Zachariah is pretty much told he is not going to be able to speak until the word of the Lord comes to pass. In other words, because of this unbelief he needed to be silenced.   Basically, the Angel is saying I need to make sure that you don't speak your doubt to anyone else.  I need to make sure the unbelief harbored in you stays just there.


And you know what I find amazing?  The Angel still leaves Zachariah with words of encouragement.  The Angel let's Zachariah know that this period of silence won't be a permanent condition but at the appointed and proper time he will speak again.  The appointed and proper time was once the Word came to pass.   And that was when they needed to give Zachariah and Elizabeth's newborn baby a name.  

​In closing, let's pray.

Father,
As we daily walk out our purpose continue to build our confidence in YOUR promises so we undoubtedly know that the vision YOU have for us will come to pass even when it looks impossible.    Let us learn to stand boldly on the Word and believe each and every Word for our lives.   Teach us to silence the doubt.   
In Jesus Name, Amen.

Be Strengthened and Encouraged in HIM,
Liz

For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment. Luke 1:37